Obama reverses federal restrictions on funding for embryonic stem cell research

Medical community weighs in on the future of medicine.

President Barack Obama signed an executive order on Monday that will lift strict restrictions on federal funding for embryonic stem cell research put into place by his predecessor, President George W. Bush.

Under the previous policy, the National Institutes of Health was allowed to fund embryonic stem cell research on 21 stem cell lines derived before Aug. 9, 2001, the date the policy took effect, and prohibited research on cell lines created after that date. The executive order signed by President Obama lifts this restriction.

“Today, more than ever before, science holds the key to our survival as a planet and our security and prosperity as a nation. It’s time we once again put science at the top of our agenda and worked to restore America’s place as the world leader in science and technology,” President Obama stated in a White House press office fact sheet.

Recent advances have been encouraging and demonstrate that research involving both human and nonhuman embryonic stem cells has the potential to lead to better understanding and treatment of many diseases and conditions, such as cancer and Parkinson’s disease.

Several medical organizations have released statements this week in response to Obama’s signing of the new executive order.

“Embryonic stem cell research offers enormous potential for the discovery of new disease therapies and possible cures,” Nancy Berliner, MD, president of the American Society of Hematology, said in a press release.

“President Obama has replaced eight years of frustration with a renewed sense of hope and optimism for the 100 million Americans suffering from cancer, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, spinal cord injuries and other debilitating diseases and disorders,” Amy Comstock Rick, president of the Coalition for the Advancement of Medical Research, said in a press release.

Under the executive order, the director of the NIH will develop guidelines for the support and conduct of responsible, scientifically worthy human stem cell research, to the extent permitted by law, including gathering necessary scientific data and published best practices. The NIH will then post draft guidelines for public comment and review all responses. Within 120 days of signing the executive order, the NIH will issue final guidance, according to an official White House memorandum. – by Katie Kalvaitis